Reading Plan for next week’s message
Sunday - Deuteronomy 4
Monday – Deuteronomy 5
Tuesday – Exodus 20
Wednesday – Matthew 5
Thursday – Matthew 6
Friday – Matthew 7
Saturday – Deuteronomy 4-5
Memorize/Reflect: “For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” (Deuteronomy 4:24)
Prayer Direction: Praise God for His passionate love. Thank Him for being so committed to you that He will not share you with others. Pray that you can have a heart that is more and more committed to Him and more in love with Him.
“Live It!” Challenge: Putting God First - – Identify a personal interest, hobby, or even a person who can sometimes become more important to you than God. For the next week or two, make intentional efforts to put God first and this other thing father down the list of your interests.
Small Group Discussion (God is Jealous and Exclusive):
- Our culture sees jealousy as a negative thing (and it can be). What are some ways that having an exclusive devotion and jealous heart can actually be positive and healthy?
- Read: Deuteronomy 4:15-24. Why do you think God is so against idols and images of any kind? What is the danger of bowing down to idols, the heavenly host, or anything besides God?
- What are examples of things that can become “idols” in our lives and demand more devotion than they deserve? How can people become idols and more important to us than God?
- 4. What are ways we can fight the temptation to become idolatrous? What are ways we can make sure God stays first in our lives. What is one thing you can do this week to grow a heart that is more devoted to God?
- Read: Deuteronomy 12:1-7 The nations who lived in the Promised Land before Israel took it as their own were involved in radical paganism including child sacrifice, cult prostitution, and idolatry. What did God call the people of Israel to do with the pagan shrines, idols, and altars? Why do you think God was so extreme and serious about this?
- We live in a culture with lots of false religions and pagan practices. God commands us that we are not to, “worship the Lord our God in their way.” When Christians adopt pagan practices and merge them with our faith, this is called syncretism. What are ways we can be enticed to affirm or engage in some of these practices? How do some Christians unknowingly weave pagan practices into their life?
- In light of what we learn in Deuteronomy, what would you say to a Christian friend who was following their horoscope, going to a “fortune teller,” or embracing another religion? Why is God so opposed to these things?
- Read: Deuteronomy 18:9-13Many of these practices and behaviors are becoming acceptable in our society and are lifted up as “normal” behavior on TV and in movies. What are some of the dangers when a society begins to embrace these kinds of practices?
- How do you see the acceptance of occult practices, mediums, and other dangerous spiritual activities growing in popularity in our culture? How can a Christian stand against these things without being needlessly offensive, but still holding to our convictions?
- God wants our hearts to be devoted to Him alone. He alone is the true and real God. Take a moment and write down three things:• How I will avoid things that can become too important and take the first place in my heart that belongs to God alone?• How can I increase my devotion to and worship of God?
• How should I shift my thinking when it comes to the serious danger of some of the occult practices that are becoming more a part of our culture (see Deut. 18:9-11)
Share one of these items with your group. Pray for each other in line with these specific areas of commitment.
Reading Plan for next week’s message
Sunday - Deuteronomy 4
Monday – Deuteronomy 5
Tuesday – Exodus 20
Wednesday – Matthew 5
Thursday – Matthew 6
Friday – Matthew 7
Saturday – Deuteronomy 4-5
Memorize/Reflect: “For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” (Deuteronomy 4:24)
Prayer Direction: Praise God for His passionate love. Thank Him for being so committed to you that He will not share you with others. Pray that you can have a heart that is more and more committed to Him and more in love with Him.
“Live It!” Challenge: Putting God First - – Identify a personal interest, hobby, or even a person who can sometimes become more important to you than God. For the next week or two, make intentional efforts to put God first and this other thing father down the list of your interests.
Small Group Discussion (God is Jealous and Exclusive):
- Our culture sees jealousy as a negative thing (and it can be). What are some ways that having an exclusive devotion and jealous heart can actually be positive and healthy?
- Read: Deuteronomy 4:15-24. Why do you think God is so against idols and images of any kind? What is the danger of bowing down to idols, the heavenly host, or anything besides God?
- What are examples of things that can become “idols” in our lives and demand more devotion than they deserve? How can people become idols and more important to us than God?
- 4. What are ways we can fight the temptation to become idolatrous? What are ways we can make sure God stays first in our lives. What is one thing you can do this week to grow a heart that is more devoted to God?
- Read: Deuteronomy 12:1-7 The nations who lived in the Promised Land before Israel took it as their own were involved in radical paganism including child sacrifice, cult prostitution, and idolatry. What did God call the people of Israel to do with the pagan shrines, idols, and altars? Why do you think God was so extreme and serious about this?
- We live in a culture with lots of false religions and pagan practices. God commands us that we are not to, “worship the Lord our God in their way.” When Christians adopt pagan practices and merge them with our faith, this is called syncretism. What are ways we can be enticed to affirm or engage in some of these practices? How do some Christians unknowingly weave pagan practices into their life?
- In light of what we learn in Deuteronomy, what would you say to a Christian friend who was following their horoscope, going to a “fortune teller,” or embracing another religion? Why is God so opposed to these things?
- Read: Deuteronomy 18:9-13Many of these practices and behaviors are becoming acceptable in our society and are lifted up as “normal” behavior on TV and in movies. What are some of the dangers when a society begins to embrace these kinds of practices?
- How do you see the acceptance of occult practices, mediums, and other dangerous spiritual activities growing in popularity in our culture? How can a Christian stand against these things without being needlessly offensive, but still holding to our convictions?
- God wants our hearts to be devoted to Him alone. He alone is the true and real God. Take a moment and write down three things:• How I will avoid things that can become too important and take the first place in my heart that belongs to God alone?• How can I increase my devotion to and worship of God?
• How should I shift my thinking when it comes to the serious danger of some of the occult practices that are becoming more a part of our culture (see Deut. 18:9-11)
Share one of these items with your group. Pray for each other in line with these specific areas of commitment.
Reading Plan for next week’s message
Sunday - Deuteronomy 4
Monday – Deuteronomy 12
Tuesday – Deuteronomy 13
Wednesday – Deuteronomy 17
Thursday – Deuteronomy 18
Friday – Deuteronomy 29
Saturday – 2 Kings 22-23
Memorize/Reflect: “Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51)
Prayer Direction: Praise God for sending His only Son to die on the cross for your sins. Praise Jesus that He took the price, that He died, and that He is alive again today! Celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and that you never have to be alone…he is with all those who have placed their faith in Him.
“Live It!” Challenge: Resurrection Power - – In Ephesians chapter one, the Apostle Paul is clear that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is now active in the hearts and lives of those who are followers of Jesus. Identify one area of your life where you need more strength and energy. Pray for the resurrection power of Jesus to fill you in this specific area. This week seek to walk with greater boldness, confidence, and strength…in the power of Jesus.
Small Group Discussion (Stuff About Forever):
When you picture heaven (eternity in God’s presence through faith in Jesus), what images come to mind? When you picture hell (eternity separate from God), what pictures come to mind?
- When you picture heaven (eternity in God’s presence through faith in Jesus), what images come to mind? When you picture hell (eternity separate from God), what pictures come to mind?
- Read: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8. The apostle Paul says there are four things he passed on to them and each one is of critical importance. Why is each of these central to our faith as followers of Jesus
Jesus died according to the Scriptures
Jesus was buried
Jesus was raised
The risen Christ appeared to many - Read: 1 Corinthians 15:12-19. Some people in Paul’s day (and in our day) believe that Jesus did not really rise from the dead. Paul gives a list of implications if Christ has not risen. What, according to the apostle Paul, are the implications if Jesus did not rise from the dead?
- Since Jesus did rise from the dead, what are the implications of this? (Take the list above and declare the opposite!)
- Read: 1 Corinthians 15:35-53 What do you learn about our bodies and our future in this passage?
- Read: 1 Corinthians 15:54-58 What do you learn about death, and Jesus’ power over death in this passage?
- What is one area of your life that you need to experience power to overcome? How does the victory of Jesus on the cross and through His resurrection provide power for your daily life?
- In verse 58, in light of all we learn about the resurrection, we are told, “Stand firm. Let nothing move you.” How does the resurrection of Jesus help you stand strong when the world tries to push you around? How can your group members pray for the resurrection power of Jesus to give you strength to stand strong in one specific area of your life?
- In verse 58, in light of all we learn about the resurrection, we are also told, “Give yourself fully to the work of the Lord.” What is an area of ministry or act of service that God has called you to engage in? How does the presence of the resurrected Jesus help you serve faithfully and confidently? How can your group members pray for you and support you as you serve God and others in this area of ministry?
Reading Plan for next week’s message
Sunday - Deuteronomy 4
Monday – Deuteronomy 12
Tuesday – Deuteronomy 13
Wednesday – Deuteronomy 17
Thursday – Deuteronomy 18
Friday – Deuteronomy 29
Saturday – 2 Kings 22-23
Memorize/Reflect: “Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51)
Prayer Direction: Praise God for sending His only Son to die on the cross for your sins. Praise Jesus that He took the price, that He died, and that He is alive again today! Celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and that you never have to be alone…he is with all those who have placed their faith in Him.
“Live It!” Challenge: Resurrection Power - – In Ephesians chapter one, the Apostle Paul is clear that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is now active in the hearts and lives of those who are followers of Jesus. Identify one area of your life where you need more strength and energy. Pray for the resurrection power of Jesus to fill you in this specific area. This week seek to walk with greater boldness, confidence, and strength…in the power of Jesus.
Small Group Discussion (Stuff About Forever):
When you picture heaven (eternity in God’s presence through faith in Jesus), what images come to mind? When you picture hell (eternity separate from God), what pictures come to mind?
- When you picture heaven (eternity in God’s presence through faith in Jesus), what images come to mind? When you picture hell (eternity separate from God), what pictures come to mind?
- Read: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8. The apostle Paul says there are four things he passed on to them and each one is of critical importance. Why is each of these central to our faith as followers of Jesus
Jesus died according to the Scriptures
Jesus was buried
Jesus was raised
The risen Christ appeared to many - Read: 1 Corinthians 15:12-19. Some people in Paul’s day (and in our day) believe that Jesus did not really rise from the dead. Paul gives a list of implications if Christ has not risen. What, according to the apostle Paul, are the implications if Jesus did not rise from the dead?
- Since Jesus did rise from the dead, what are the implications of this? (Take the list above and declare the opposite!)
- Read: 1 Corinthians 15:35-53 What do you learn about our bodies and our future in this passage?
- Read: 1 Corinthians 15:54-58 What do you learn about death, and Jesus’ power over death in this passage?
- What is one area of your life that you need to experience power to overcome? How does the victory of Jesus on the cross and through His resurrection provide power for your daily life?
- In verse 58, in light of all we learn about the resurrection, we are told, “Stand firm. Let nothing move you.” How does the resurrection of Jesus help you stand strong when the world tries to push you around? How can your group members pray for the resurrection power of Jesus to give you strength to stand strong in one specific area of your life?
- In verse 58, in light of all we learn about the resurrection, we are also told, “Give yourself fully to the work of the Lord.” What is an area of ministry or act of service that God has called you to engage in? How does the presence of the resurrected Jesus help you serve faithfully and confidently? How can your group members pray for you and support you as you serve God and others in this area of ministry?
Reading Plan for next week’s message
Sunday - Psalm 19:1-6 , Psalm 8
Monday – Genesis 3-4
Tuesday – Genesis 5-6
Wednesday – 1 John 1-2
Thursday – 1 John 3
Friday – 1 John 4
Saturday – Romans 3, Romans 6
Memorize/Reflect: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” (Matthew 6:9)
Prayer Direction: Thank God for being your heavenly Father, even before you knew He was. Praise Him for His creativity. Thank Him for His protection. Ask for power to love Him and follow Him with greater passion and surrender.
“Live It!” Challenge: Telling the Story of Jesus - Check out the book, “God in the Mirror” by pastor Miles McPherson. There are copies available for purchase in the Shoreline Café. It is all about how God is our Father and how we can look more and more like Him.
Small Group Discussion (Stuff About God the Father):
- When you picture God as a heavenly Father, what pictures come to your mind? Where do these pictures come from and do you think these pictures are accurate?
- Read: Genesis 1:1-19. What do you learn about God in this passage? How is God involved in creation?
- What is your favorite place in God’s amazing creation and how does being in this place help you experience and understand your heavenly Father better?
- Read: Genesis 1:26-31 and Psalm 139:13-18. What do these passages teach you about your heavenly Father’s involvement in the life of His children? How do these passage show intimacy and closeness?
- Read: Isaiah 6: 1-8 What do you learn about your Father in this passage and how should this truth impact your life?
- When you think of God being “Holy” what pictures come to your mind? Since we are called to look more and more like our Father, what does it look like for us to live and walk in holiness in the flow of a normal day?
- What makes it difficult and challenging to be holy as we walk through this life? What gets in the way of holiness and how can we overcome these barriers so we can look more like our Father?
- Read:Have your group all open their Bibles to Job 38-41. Take a minute or two for each person to quietly skim through these chapters and choose one or two examples of things God says about himself. Sometimes God asks, “Can you?” or “Did you?” but what He is saying is, “I did…” Invite group members to read a few verses to the rest of the group and share what they learn about God.
- Read: John 3:16. How does this passage impact your heart? How can our lives be impacted when we really understand the depth, cost, and power of the Father’s love for us? ?
- What are ways we can love others with the love God has given to us?
Reading Plan for next week’s message
Sunday - Psalm 19:1-6 , Psalm 8
Monday – Genesis 3-4
Tuesday – Genesis 5-6
Wednesday – 1 John 1-2
Thursday – 1 John 3
Friday – 1 John 4
Saturday – Romans 3, Romans 6
Memorize/Reflect: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” (Matthew 6:9)
Prayer Direction: Thank God for being your heavenly Father, even before you knew He was. Praise Him for His creativity. Thank Him for His protection. Ask for power to love Him and follow Him with greater passion and surrender.
“Live It!” Challenge: Telling the Story of Jesus - Check out the book, “God in the Mirror” by pastor Miles McPherson. There are copies available for purchase in the Shoreline Café. It is all about how God is our Father and how we can look more and more like Him.
Small Group Discussion (Stuff About God the Father):
- When you picture God as a heavenly Father, what pictures come to your mind? Where do these pictures come from and do you think these pictures are accurate?
- Read: Genesis 1:1-19. What do you learn about God in this passage? How is God involved in creation?
- What is your favorite place in God’s amazing creation and how does being in this place help you experience and understand your heavenly Father better?
- Read: Genesis 1:26-31 and Psalm 139:13-18. What do these passages teach you about your heavenly Father’s involvement in the life of His children? How do these passage show intimacy and closeness?
- Read: Isaiah 6: 1-8 What do you learn about your Father in this passage and how should this truth impact your life?
- When you think of God being “Holy” what pictures come to your mind? Since we are called to look more and more like our Father, what does it look like for us to live and walk in holiness in the flow of a normal day?
- What makes it difficult and challenging to be holy as we walk through this life? What gets in the way of holiness and how can we overcome these barriers so we can look more like our Father?
- Read:Have your group all open their Bibles to Job 38-41. Take a minute or two for each person to quietly skim through these chapters and choose one or two examples of things God says about himself. Sometimes God asks, “Can you?” or “Did you?” but what He is saying is, “I did…” Invite group members to read a few verses to the rest of the group and share what they learn about God.
- Read: John 3:16. How does this passage impact your heart? How can our lives be impacted when we really understand the depth, cost, and power of the Father’s love for us? ?
- What are ways we can love others with the love God has given to us?
Reading Plan for next week’s message
Sunday - Psalm 22
Monday – Isaiah 53
Tuesday – Luke 1
Wednesday – Luke 2
Thursday – John 18-19
Friday – John 20-21
Saturday – Philippians 2, Colossians 1
Memorize/Reflect: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Prayer Direction: Ask for God to help you see yourself as you really are. Pray for an awareness of how much God loves you. Pray also for a humble attitude that shows you are aware that every good gift you have comes from God.
“Live It!” Challenge: Make a List - Write down a list of the many gifts, abilities, things, and blessings you have in your life. This list can include people you love, skills you have, spiritual blessings, and any good thing in your life. Then, reflect on how God is involved in providing each of these for you. Spend time this week, each day, reflecting on how good God has been to you and make time to thank Him.
Small Group Discussion (Stuff About You):
- Read: Psalm 139:1-12. What do you learn in this passage about God’s knowledge of you and His work in your life?
- What does this passage teach you about where God is and where He is at work today?
How does it make you feel when you realize where God is and where He is at work? - There is real intimacy in verse 5 when God David declares that God, “Hems him in behind and before and lays his hand on him.” What picture does this paint in your mind?
How have you seen God go before you and follow behind you? - What does it mean to say that God has laid his hand on you?
How have you experienced this? - Read: Psalm 139:13-18. David writes about how God was with him, forming him in his mother’s womb. What are some of the implications we should be aware of if God is at work in a mother’s womb, forming and touching each child? What value does this give to each life?
- David boldly declares that he is “fearfully and wonderfully made,” and that, as part of God’s creation, he is “wonderful!” What is one thing about the way God has made you that can reveal God’s creativity and glory? Are you comfortable declaring, “As God’s son or daughter, I am wonderful!” Why or why not?
- Read: Romans 3:10-18. The apostle Paul gives a list of Old Testament quotes about the nature of people and the condition of our hearts without the grace of God received through Jesus. What kind of picture does Paul paint of humans without Jesus? How do you respond to this description of you and every person who has ever walked this planet (except Jesus)?
- Read: Romans 3:21-26. In God’s plan of salvation, what has our Heavenly Father done, what has Jesus done, and what must we do?
- Read: Romans 6:22-23. When we have received the free gift of God’s grace through faith in Jesus, we are called to grow in holiness. This process of sanctification lasts a lifetime. What is one way you see God growing you in holiness? What challenges are you facing in this process of growing in sanctification (as you become more like Jesus)?
- How can your group members pray for you and encourage you as you seek to walk in freedom, turn from sin, and live inthe power of Jesus?
Reading Plan for next week’s message
Sunday - Psalm 22
Monday – Isaiah 53
Tuesday – Luke 1
Wednesday – Luke 2
Thursday – John 18-19
Friday – John 20-21
Saturday – Philippians 2, Colossians 1
Memorize/Reflect: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Prayer Direction: Ask for God to help you see yourself as you really are. Pray for an awareness of how much God loves you. Pray also for a humble attitude that shows you are aware that every good gift you have comes from God.
“Live It!” Challenge: Make a List - Write down a list of the many gifts, abilities, things, and blessings you have in your life. This list can include people you love, skills you have, spiritual blessings, and any good thing in your life. Then, reflect on how God is involved in providing each of these for you. Spend time this week, each day, reflecting on how good God has been to you and make time to thank Him.
Small Group Discussion (Stuff About You):
- Read: Psalm 139:1-12. What do you learn in this passage about God’s knowledge of you and His work in your life?
- What does this passage teach you about where God is and where He is at work today?
How does it make you feel when you realize where God is and where He is at work? - There is real intimacy in verse 5 when God David declares that God, “Hems him in behind and before and lays his hand on him.” What picture does this paint in your mind?
How have you seen God go before you and follow behind you? - What does it mean to say that God has laid his hand on you?
How have you experienced this? - Read: Psalm 139:13-18. David writes about how God was with him, forming him in his mother’s womb. What are some of the implications we should be aware of if God is at work in a mother’s womb, forming and touching each child? What value does this give to each life?
- David boldly declares that he is “fearfully and wonderfully made,” and that, as part of God’s creation, he is “wonderful!” What is one thing about the way God has made you that can reveal God’s creativity and glory? Are you comfortable declaring, “As God’s son or daughter, I am wonderful!” Why or why not?
- Read: Romans 3:10-18. The apostle Paul gives a list of Old Testament quotes about the nature of people and the condition of our hearts without the grace of God received through Jesus. What kind of picture does Paul paint of humans without Jesus? How do you respond to this description of you and every person who has ever walked this planet (except Jesus)?
- Read: Romans 3:21-26. In God’s plan of salvation, what has our Heavenly Father done, what has Jesus done, and what must we do?
- Read: Romans 6:22-23. When we have received the free gift of God’s grace through faith in Jesus, we are called to grow in holiness. This process of sanctification lasts a lifetime. What is one way you see God growing you in holiness? What challenges are you facing in this process of growing in sanctification (as you become more like Jesus)?
- How can your group members pray for you and encourage you as you seek to walk in freedom, turn from sin, and live inthe power of Jesus?
We will be having a small group leader training on Sunday, March 24, at 1 p.m. in Room 1208. If you have interest in becoming a small group leader, we would love for you to be there. If you have already taken this training, you are welcome to come as a refresher. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jillian at 831.655.0100, x336 or jmedina@shorelinechurch.org.
We will be having a small group leader training on Sunday, March 24, at 1 p.m. in Room 1208. If you have interest in becoming a small group leader, we would love for you to be there. If you have already taken this training, you are welcome to come as a refresher. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jillian at 831.655.0100, x336 or jmedina@shorelinechurch.org.
